If bigger is better in the full-size sport utility vehicle market, then the 2008 Ford Expedition EL will earn some respect. Just don’t try to park it in a small garage.

The new Expedition EL extended- length model still uses the Ford truck design, but it adds another 14.8 inches of length to the vehicle.

That gives the new model 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space. It includes an extra 24 cubic feet behind the third-row seat when compared to the previous Expedtions.

That might seem a little over the top for those who can get by with a smaller sedan, but buyers seem satisfied with the results so far. A Global Quality Research Study showed that 85% of Expedition EL owners said they were “completely satisfied” with their purchase after three months of ownership.

The review model was the Expedition Limited EL 4x2, a sturdy vehicle that handles the road well for a truck.

Don’t be fooled by the posh interior, leather trim and six-way power-adjustable front seats. The Expedition doesn’t handle like a car on the highway. Sitting in the driver’s seat and looking down on the highway is the closest that most motorists will ever come to steering a school bus.

It’s a vehicle designed to haul things and people, and it drives like it. The vehicle brakes well and rollover protection is standard. But part of the reason for that seems to be that the vehicle doesn’t have much in terms of get up and go. Obviously, a vehicle that weighs this much can’t be expected to go drag racing.

What it can do is haul things — heavy things. The Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds, which gives it the best tow rating in its class.

A new option is the rear camera, which helps when backing into a parking space or lining up the Expedition with a trailer for hauling. The fold-down 8-inch DVD display screen for the second and third row of seats blocks the driver’s vision in the rearview mirror. Also, packing the vehicle to full capacity can diminish sightlines if the passengers are all adults.

For such a large vehicle, there seems to be little headroom for passengers. Taller riders will be a bit claustrophobic in the back seats. At least it’s a quiet ride. All the passengers can hear each other, even at high speeds.

There are eight options for buyers to look over with the 2008 Expedition and Expedition EL. There are four series available — the XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and the new King Ranch model, which adds 18-inch aluminum wheels and other accents.

Ford doesn’t have to release fuel economy estimates for the Expedition, but it’s a safe bet the mileage is in the low teens. The standard Expedition EL Limited costs $40,000, but with the entertainment and luxury extras, it tops $51,000.